Prefer the cedar look in a PVC finish? If you are working to a limited budget, our Artwood range of PVC blinds could provide a quality alternative. PVC blinds are manufactured with the same high quality components as cedar blinds, and provide a painted wooden-look finish at a lesser price.

There a several options of openness when choosing a solar screen for your windows. The most common openness factors are 3%, 5% and 10%.

Openness is easier explained like this: a solid wall has a 0% openness while a clear glass window pane has a 100% openness. In short, openness is the degree of visibility through the window measured in percentages.

Most all solar screens are designed to be used on roller shades, but can also be used on roman shades as well.

When you are choosing a solar screen material, it is best to view it during full sunlight in the window where you will be installing the roller shade. In some cases, you may have a need to install the solar shade on windows that will get little or no sun so as to continue the theme within the same area.

NB: It’s also important to note that no solar shade that has any openness factor at all will provide you with full or even adequate privacy in many cases. If your window is facing an area where there is little or no chance of someone looking into the room, then this is of course less of an issue.

Also, light that is filtered carries less solar radiation and thus less heat than full sunlight, but solar screens should not be considered for use where there is a need to reduce excessive heat in the summer months. A better alternative would be an interior shutter, blackout lined drapes or a cellular shade in either light filtering or room darkening materials.